Kebbi: Seven Almajiris Killed in Borrow Pit Collapse

Seven Qur’anic School pupils, known as Almajiris, lost their lives when a borrow pit collapsed in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State. The incident occurred in the Badariya area at the Malam Dan-umma Qur’anic School near Bayan Science.

According to the school’s proprietor, Malam Dan-umma, the pupils had been assigned to collect laterite sands from a nearby hill to mend holes in their rooms, preparing for the upcoming rainy season. Tragedy struck when a large chunk of laterite fell on them, burying the young students.

“I assigned them to go on top of the hill near the school to excavate clay and gravels to mend holes inside their rooms against upcoming flooding, but before they could come back, I was told a heavy chunk of the laterite fell over them,” explained Malam Dan-umma. He confirmed that seven pupils died on the spot, while one other was rushed to the hospital in Birnin Kebbi.

The bodies of the deceased pupils were taken to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital before being transported to their families for burial. As the community mourns, Malam Dan-umma expressed his grief, praying for the deceased and asking for God to grant them eternal rest in Aljannar Firdausi.

In response to this tragedy, Zayyanu Sanka, a special adviser to the governor on Pilgrims, expressed deep sorrow and suggested that the government might consider banning the excavation of clay soil or gravels from hills to prevent future incidents.

The names of the deceased are Muhammad Bawando, Musa Kambaza, Dan-Sayyada Kambaza, Abu Takai, Nasir Cheferu, Barmo Babanda, Kalije Bawanda, Yakubu, and Aminu.